Boy, 16, charged in accidental fatal shooting of sister, 14

Authorities say a 16-year-old boy has been charged in the accidental shooting of his 14-year-old sister at their home in western Michigan.

The shooting happened on Monday afternoon in Muskegon Heights.

A petition charging the boy with open murder was filed on Tuesday in Muskegon County Juvenile Court, but he could end up facing lesser charges. Muskegon County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Maat tells The Muskegon Chronicle that it hasn't yet been determined whether it will try to charge the boy as an adult.

Police say the boy was playing with a handgun when it discharged, shooting his sister in the back. The Associated Press isn't naming the girl to avoid identifying her brother.

Muskegon Heights Police Chief Joseph Thomas tells WOOD-TV that the boy confessed to being involved in the shooting.